Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share your photos, music clips and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask beginner questions! All are welcome here no matter your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link in the drop menus. Click on various links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to the right place to receive free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 19 seconds ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dulcipair:
Posted a new Comment on @dulcipair:
"Hi Dulcipair, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• a minute ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @seratwist:
Posted a new Comment on @seratwist:
"Hi Seratwist, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @dezi:
Posted a new Comment on @dezi:
"Hi Dezi, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @nattyice1252:
Posted a new Comment on @nattyice1252:
"Hi Nattyice, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 7 minutes ago
• comments: 183
Posted a new Comment on @strumelia:
Posted a new Comment on @strumelia:
"Strumelia, You are welcome and it's been my pleasure."
@strumelia
• 52 minutes ago
• comments: 611
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Ben, it is so wonderful that you personally greet new FOTMD members the way you have for such a long time.
Your friendliness and support of FOTMD is..."
@strumelia
• 54 minutes ago
• comments: 542
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Ken, it is so wonderful that you personally greet all our new FOTMD members. Thank you so much for your friendliness and support!"
@strumelia
• 55 minutes ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Traditional Dulcimore Gathering 2022:
Posted a new Comment on The Traditional Dulcimore Gathering 2022:
"This is just so great."
@strumelia
• 56 minutes ago
• comments: 6
Liked a photos item created by @ken-longfield: Loyal Jones Appalachian Center
Liked a photos item created by @ken-longfield: Loyal Jones Appalachian Center
@strumelia
• 57 minutes ago
• comments: 381
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Richard, it is so wonderful that you personally greet all our new FOTMD members. Thank you so much for your friendliness and support!"
@strumelia
• an hour ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Medieval/Early performances on dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Medieval/Early performances on dulcimer:
"I would think that anyone who was into fantasy and sci-fi fiction would just LUV hearing live medieval music performed. So cool that you are doing this!
I..."
@strumelia
• an hour ago
• comments: 3
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Medieval/Early performances on dulcimer
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Medieval/Early performances on dulcimer
@studentofrhythm
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Medieval/Early performances on dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Medieval/Early performances on dulcimer:
""
@seratwist
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 381
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you, for the welcome."
@seratwist
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 542
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you I'm looking forward to exploring the site and checking out the resources."
@studentofrhythm
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Medieval/Early performances on dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Medieval/Early performances on dulcimer:
"Some quick updates:
I've continued to perform at these events, and I've added a few: at some art shows, and on August 15 at a tiny local fantasy/science..."
@robin-thompson
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Going to Louisiana in the morning.:
Posted a new Comment on Going to Louisiana in the morning.:
"You had me tapping my feet, Jamie! Music can transport us places we'll never get to physically go. "
@nattyice1252
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Has anyone Heard of the Andrew Instrument Company. USA":
Posted a response to "Has anyone Heard of the Andrew Instrument Company. USA":
"I actually have one of these dulcimers. I got it off of ShopGoodwill, and it is a gorgeous instrument with crazy sustain. The only downside is that the..."
@richard-streib
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @nattyice1252:
Posted a new Comment on @nattyice1252:
"Welcome Nattyice1252 to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. There is a lot of information here. Look around a bit. If you have questions..."
@richard-streib
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @dezi:
Posted a new Comment on @dezi:
"Welcome Dezi to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. I hope you find a home for your inherited dulcimer."
@richard-streib
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @seratwist:
Posted a new Comment on @seratwist:
"So glad you joined Seratwist. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. The mountain dulcimer is a sweet sounding and very comforting instrument. There..."
@richard-streib
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dulcipair:
Posted a new Comment on @dulcipair:
"Glad you joined Dulcipair. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. If we can help you contact the seller, let us know. We are here to help each other."
@nate
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Solid body electric dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Solid body electric dulcimer":
"On an electric string instrument, none of the characteristics of the instrument itself are present in the tone. The two factors are style/number/position of..."
@strumelia
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dezi: Dulcimer to Gift
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dezi: Dulcimer to Gift
@dezi
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer to Gift":
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer to Gift":
"Hello! I am looking to rehome this dulcimer to someone who will love it. I am asking you pay shipping and the required donation to the website. Please let me..."
@davisjames
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Going to Louisiana in the morning.:
Posted a new Comment on Going to Louisiana in the morning.:
"Did it again!The lineup is a galax tuned aaaa(noter) and an hourglass Dad with a pick.No mandolins!"
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Solid body electric dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Solid body electric dulcimer":
"Cool! I look forward to hearing that baby sing. The chromatic fretboard would throw me off, too."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Danish folk group which used mountain dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Danish folk group which used mountain dulcimer":
"You're welcome, @studentofrhythm! It was a cool video to watch. "
@studentofrhythm
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Solid body electric dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Solid body electric dulcimer":
"I recently got a solid body electric from Needful Strings:..."
@studentofrhythm
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Danish folk group which used mountain dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Danish folk group which used mountain dulcimer":
"That was good! I have Danish ancestry, so I appreciated the bit of cultural learning too. Thanks for sharing!"
@lilley-pad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic " what gauge strings ?":
Created a new forum topic " what gauge strings ?":
"I have a dulcimer I bought about a year ago and it's just been sitting in my closet. My guess is that it may be a baritone. I'm making that guess because..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @seratwist:
Posted a new Comment on @seratwist:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Seratwist. It's good to have you aboard. We have some folks on the site from Ontario, but I don't know if they are anywhere near you. There..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dulcipair:
Posted a new Comment on @dulcipair:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Dulcipair. I hope you connect with the person you are seeking. Let us know if have any questions or can help you in any way.
Ken
"The..."
@gail-nelson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 381
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you for saying hello! "
@gail-nelson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 542
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you for the greeting! I look forward to participating. "
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @gail-nelson:
Posted a new Comment on @gail-nelson:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Gail. It's good to have you aboard. We have a wonderful community of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts here. The site contains a great amount..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"Great advice from Dusty. LilleyPad, you sound like you have a good plan of action now, and a good grasp of the concepts. Go forth and have fun! "
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @gail-nelson:
Posted a new Comment on @gail-nelson:
"Welcome Gail Nelson to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. I am so glad you joined. This is an active community with a lot of knowledge and expertise..."
@lilley-pad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"First thanks everybody for all the good information This is starting to sound a lot more easier and simpler. Number one: find somebody who knows what key..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"Lilley Pad: Just wanted to say good video Dusty “Have Capo Will Travel” That you posted years ago I thought your fingers looked a little younger smile..."
@lilley-pad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"Just wanted to say good video Dusty “Have Capo Will Travel” That you posted years ago I thought your fingers looked a little younger smile I'm a visual..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"Well just like with a mandolin- on a dulcimer you can choose to play just melody notes, or you can play just chords, or you can play a combo of both..."
@lilley-pad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"I just read your post Wally that makes sense sounds easier I've only just sat in once to their meeting looks like they don't use any sheet music at all they..."
@lilley-pad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"Howdy Strumelia. Oh yes very good point I definitely will ask them if I can join them with a different instrument. I did notice someone playing an electric..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"Is the Uke jam playing mostly/always in the key of C? That would be real useful to know. What key(s) are they typically playing in... can you ask someone?..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
">>> I think where I'm getting all messed up with this trying to blend in with the ukuleles is that they're chromatic and we're diatonic.....
You are..."
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"John, I think you really need to just start playing with people rather than trying to think too hard about this and just confusing yourself even more. As..."
@skip
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"Here's something that may work for you if you have a 1+. [toothpick or paperclip can be used as temp fret.]
Tune to D-F#-A, [loosen the middle string]...."
@lilley-pad
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"Hey Dusty thanks for the info. I think where I'm getting all messed up with this trying to blend in with the ukuleles is that they're chromatic and we're..."
Join a Group! All
Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
All
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Latest Forum Posts All
Has anyone Heard of the...
Posted: Monday August 24 2026, 4:57 PM
By: @nattyice1252
By: @nattyice1252
Solid body electric dulcimer
Posted: Monday August 24 2026, 4:33 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Dulcimer to Gift
Posted: Monday August 24 2026, 4:17 PM
By: @Dezi
By: @Dezi
Danish folk group which...
Posted: Monday August 24 2026, 9:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
what gauge strings ?
Posted: Sunday August 23 2026, 11:10 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT
Posted: Sunday August 23 2026, 8:19 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Porch Music
Posted: Friday August 21 2026, 7:03 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Old-style McSpadden...
Posted: Thursday August 20 2026, 2:27 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
McSpadden 'Skunk Stripe'...
Posted: Thursday August 20 2026, 12:47 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Change For Sale Listing Price
Posted: Monday August 17 2026, 9:09 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Selling Folkcraft CSH...
Posted: Monday August 17 2026, 9:07 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Box Dulcimer Project
Posted: Sunday August 16 2026, 9:57 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Traditional dulcimer makers
Posted: Saturday August 15 2026, 4:11 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
favorite fiddle tunes to...
Posted: Friday August 14 2026, 5:01 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Humidifier for dulcimers
Posted: Wednesday August 12 2026, 9:43 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Dulcimer lessons
Posted: Monday August 10 2026, 8:57 PM
By: @Luthier
By: @Luthier
Is this Ruggs and Jackel...
Posted: Friday August 7 2026, 1:36 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
David Field dulcimers
Posted: Sunday August 2 2026, 9:54 AM
By: @prairieschooner
By: @prairieschooner
Happy Birthday America
Posted: Friday July 31 2026, 4:21 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Friday July 31 2026, 10:46 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Wednesday July 29 2026, 3:41 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Eaa Tuning
Posted: Wednesday July 29 2026, 10:05 AM
By: @tonyg
By: @tonyg
How are you dealing with...
Posted: Wednesday July 29 2026, 7:15 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Gayageum
Posted: Friday July 24 2026, 5:37 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Mountain Dulcimer and Hurdy...
Posted: Wednesday July 22 2026, 7:27 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
Hungarian music TABs
Posted: Wednesday July 22 2026, 9:59 AM
By: @Pestifiu
By: @Pestifiu
Dulcimer effects
Posted: Tuesday July 14 2026, 12:26 AM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
Hindman Homecoming 2026
Posted: Monday July 13 2026, 5:18 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Sources: strings in bulk
Posted: Sunday July 5 2026, 11:10 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
How to dehumidify
Posted: Friday July 3 2026, 10:00 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett  |
Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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